The wait is over! The bill expanding the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit to the Catskills and Hudson Valley has been delivered to Governor Cuomo for his signature. Now is the time to call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and ask him to approve the expansion of the bill (if you choose option 2 and you can just leave a message.)
By way of background, earlier this year the New York State Assembly voted to extend the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit Program to the Catskills and Hudson Valley. This move will encourage film companies to take advantage of our region’s extraordinary natural beauty, historic architecture, and creative talent, bringing critical new dollars into our economy and creating jobs and supporting local businesses of all kinds.
This legislation is about fairness. While other counties in upstate New York can benefit from the current credit, the Catskills and Hudson Valley cannot, and we believe that the hamlets in Sullivan, Ulster, and Orange Counties deserve equal access to this credit.
Mountainkeeper believes that a healthy economy is a diverse economy that embraces, rather than exploits, our natural resources; and we believe increased film production here will do just that.
Mountainkeeper and activist supporters like you have been strong and persistent advocates for this bill from the very start. Earlier this year, Mountainkeeper submitted a letter to the Governor requesting the Tax Credit expansion signed by over 30 entertainment professionals including Chevy Chase, Natalie Merchant, Debra Winger, Mary-Stuart Masterson, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bowermaster, and Aidan Quinn. Following the Assembly’s vote to extend the credit to the Catskills and Hudson Valley, Mountainkeeper and our allies have been working to build broad support for it in anticipation of this moment.
Now that the bill is with the Governor, it’s time for a final big push to make sure he signs it into law. We have a narrow window of opportunity as he has until November 4th to act on the bill, so we urge you to take a moment and call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390. You can leave a message by pressing 2 and asking the Governor to approve the expansion of the Empire State Film Production Tax Credit.
After you make your call to Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 please pass my letter on to all your friends and family and ask them to call too in the name of fairness to the Catskills and Hudson Valley. Thanks!
